How FSU football is positioning prep players to contribute soon

Parting Thoughts

The way Mike Norvell has used the transfer portal to turn the FSU football program around has been a master class. I’m convinced it wouldn’t have taken three years if the staff didn’t have to experience a pandemic in year one.

The way FSU football has filled needs in the portal while accumulating quality talent that’s positioning itself to contribute has changed how the staff is recruiting at the high school level. It’s why the Noles have been in the mix with way more top players in the 2024 recruiting cycle than ever before under Norvell.

The transfer portal players helped the staff show the proof of concept needed for top players to see the vision and what’s possible. Will FSU continue to use the portal? I’m sure they will, it likely won’t be at the same frequency in years past, but even programs like Alabama and Ohio State have taken at least five transfer players in the last two recruiting cycles.

They’ll likely look to the portal if there isn’t a particularly strong crop of players at a given position, or it could be a player they had a strong relationship with during the prep recruiting process that fits a need.

Either way, it’s all about improving the roster with each addition, whether they are from the portal or the prep ranks. However, for those that don’t believe Mike Norvell and staff can develop players?

You’re on the verge of seeing the first big wave of prep players they’ve developed across multiple positions.